Michael, shown here on the right with
(retired) U.S. Airforce General Chuck Yeager, has consistently maintained an
interest in aviation. This keenness was somewhat fuelled by airline people in
the family and the
inheritance of some darkroom equipment. This led to Michael joining
the Royal New Zealand Air Force as a photographer at the age of
17.

Training was always thorough in the Air Force,
and the RNZAF being a comparatively small service, meant that
photographers needed to have a broad skill base. Courses were
undertaken in the first 3 years of service, primarily in Aerial Mapping & Aerial
Reconnaissance. Michael also completed a
Motion Picture Camera Specialist Course with the United States Air Force Air University.

The Air Force offered extensive travel,
much of it courtesy a 4 year posting onboard various Naval ships.
It was this background, including duties as an observer
& aerial
photographer on the Westland Wasp
helicopter, which helped him win the International
Navies Photographic competition, run by the United States Naval Institute.

During his time in the Airforce Michael
specialised in airborne photography, including reconnaissance,
aerial mapping, and, air to air photography. Other aspects of military
photography included, photo journalism, advertising, Public Relations. and
intelligence gathering.

In his final 5 years of service Mike was the Flight Commander, Photographic, at RNZAF Base Wigram, in the
South Island of New Zealand. He regularly flew to Wanaka,
including official Air Force attendance at the Warbirds over
Wanaka Airshow. This is where he met Sir Tim Wallis, who saw his
work and encouraged his (Warbirds) air to air photography experience.

He was awarded The Chief of Air Staff's
commendation in 1994, for services to NZ Defence Force photography, media
liaison, work for External Intelligence Bureau & training.

He retired from the RNZAF in
March 1995 following a
20 year career.

Following his departure from the military,
Michael was selected to head the Photographic Industry Training Organisation,
and wrote and implemented over 120 qualifications which are utilised as the
National Qualification Standards in photography and imaging. He also undertook
consultancy for the NZ Police, assisting in the compilation of the Forensic
Imaging Training Manual.

Michael also lectured part time at the University of Auckland, in
photography for over 7 years.

Subsequently he completed 2 years as a manager
for Shotover Jet in Fiji, and more recently has been based in Auckland as an IT
/ Imagery Consultant, & trainer for government agencies in surveillance
photography.

For the air to air images, Mike generally uses an Asahi Pentax
67 (6 X 7 cm) format camera. He tends to avoid the 35mm motor-drive mentality,
preferring fewer, but more thought out, photographs at slow shutter speeds (to
obtain the prop blur). The Pentax can turn into a 30lb beast during aerobatic
manoeuvres, but the quality of the images remain unmatched. These are scanned to
Hi Res, and printed .

This website allows you to view and purchase
original work, . All photographs are printed using the latest LUCIA digital 12
pigment technology from CANON to exacting standards, by
BIGPIX.

All images carry a "certificate of
authenticity"

Photographs displayed will be updated and new
products added to the range.